HÜSEYİN AVNİ SOLGUN, ÖZLEM TERZİ, MUSTAFA ÖZAY
Comprehensive Medicine - 2025;17(1):56-62
Objective: The majority of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) require observational follow-up, but for patients requiring treatment, the last decade has revolutionized treatment with the discovery of propranolol. Therefore, in cases requiring treatment, it would be appropriate to refer the newborn to the pediatric hematology and oncology department as soon as IH is detected during the first examination. In this study, we aimed to explain the clinical features and treatment selection features in patients with IH. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 female and 15 male IH cases who applied to our pediatric hematology and oncology outpatient clinic were included in our study. Before treatment, all patients were evaluated with routine complete blood count, biochemical analysis, abdominal ultrasonography (USG), and pediatric cardiology. The diagnosis dates, treatment start dates, birth dates, the diagnosis of the lesion, monthly measurements after the start of treatment, and the treatment started and doses were recorded in the follow-up forms of the patients. Results: The average age of the patients at the start of treatment was 6.5 months (2 months15 months). Twenty-four of the patients were under 6 months old. In the treatment of IH, these patients were started with an oral propranolol solution preparation at a dose of 1 milligram (mg)/kg/day. In tolerant patients, the dose was increased to 2 mg/kg/day after 3 days. All patients received propranolol treatment for at least 6 months. In patients who started treatment after diagnosis, at least 50% and at most >95% involution occurred in the IH dimensions. No patient had pathological findings in the hemogram and biochemistry tests performed every 2 months. Conclusion: In terms of ease of use, safety profile, and frequency of side effects, the use of oral propranolol solution was evaluated as very effective and tolerable, especially in the 26 month patient group. Additionally, propranolol was found to be quite effective in IH patients who were older than 6 months and whose treatment had not been started for different reasons. To confirm the diagnosis, the diagnosis should be clarified by USG/color Doppler USG, preferably by obtaining the opinion of a pediatric radiologist before starting treatment.
